BELGIUM

Why study in Belgium

Belgium is a country of approximately 10 million people, 11,800 square miles (about the size of Maryland), situated between the Netherlands to the north, Germany and Luxembourg to the east, France to the south, and the North Sea to the west. The capital city of Belgium is Brussels, which is also the headquarters of the European Union and NATO.

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, spoken by about 60% of the population (those in Flanders and Brussels); French, spoken by about 39% of the population (those in Wallonia and Brussels); and German, spoken by about 1% of the population in the eastern part of the country.
Although Belgium has a very long and rich history, it is a relatively new country. Belgium received its independence in 1830 from the Netherlands. It is a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy. The current King is Albert II, the sixth in the Belgian dynasty. He is married to Princess Paola Ruffo di Calabria; they have three children: Prince Philippe, who married Mathilde d’Udekem d’Acoz; Princess Astrid, married to Archduke Lorenz of Austria; and Prince Laurent who married Claire Coombs.

Belgian government is divided into five levels of authority: the Federal government; the Communities (French-speaking, Dutch-speaking, German-speaking); three Regions (Flemish, Walloon, and Brussels-Capital); the Provinces, of which there are 10; and the lowest level, the municipalities, of which there are 589.
The Federal Government is responsible for defence, law and order, social security, agriculture, justice, general foreign affairs and monetary and fiscal policy. The three Communities are responsible for culture, language, education, welfare and health care within each Community. The Regions are responsible for all matters fully or party related to specific areas, such as economic policy, energy policy, scientific policy, public works, public transport, and town and country planning.
Belgium is one of the twenty seven members of the European Union, as well as a member of NATO. The NATO headquarters are located in Brussels and SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe) is located in Mons in the southern part of Belgium.

 Scholarships Belgium:

VLIR-UOS awards scholarships to students from developing countries so that they can follow a master or training programme in Flanders, Belgium. For 2011, VLIR-UOS awards 180 scholarships to first-year master students and 70 scholarships to training participants.

http://www.scholarships.vliruos.be/

Research in Belgium

The portal website research.be (Belgian Portal for Research and Innovation / Portail de la recherche et de l’innovation en Belgique / Belgisch portaal voor onderzoek en innovatie) developed by the Scientific and Technical Information Service provides its visitors with a structured and validated gateway to the main web sites dedicated to Belgian Research and Development activities and Innovation (RDI), whether they be conducted in Belgium or in the frame of a European/international cooperation. One of the priority subjects is RDI made possible through public funds. Unique access point to other Belgian information sources and Belgian scientific potential, this tool is also designed to strengthen the European Research Area (ERA).

Belgium might have as much as three official languages (French, Dutch and German) but English is the fourth, unofficial language and Belgians have no problems with conversing in English. The Belgian people are used to welcoming the world. The city of Brussels is one of the world's great cosmopolitan capitals, home to both the European Union and NATO, as well as a wealth of international trade and finance companies.

The history of Belgium has always been linked to both commercial and cultural exchange, and much of its character is due to its role as the great meeting place of Western Europe. It would be difficult to name a European country who didn’t want to stake their claim in Belgium at one time or another. Traces of the Austrians, Spanish, French and Dutch can still be seen in its architecture and in the lifestyle of its people. You will see superb examples of art and architecture past and present - Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau.

The official currency of Belgium is the Euro (€) which is also the official currency of the European Union. 15 member states share this currency, and this simplifies travelling and comparing prices over the European countries. Sharing borders with France, Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, Belgium is a great starting point for travelling all over Europe.

Many universities offer courses in English and there are also European and international schools that operate in Belgium. If you prefer to develop your skills within the official languages most universities offer language courses.

The Belgian kitchen

Belgium is very well-known for its kitchen, and Belgian restaurants can be found in the most influential gastronomic guides, such as the Michelin Guide. Belgians love waffles (which originated in Belgium) and french fries. Contrary to their name french fries also originated in Belgium. The name "french fries" actually refers to the French description of the manner in which the potato is cut. To "french" means to cut into slivers. The national dishes are "steak and fries with salad", and "mussels with fries". Belgian chocolate is considered to be amongst the world’s finest!

Language

French, Dutch and German are all official languages of Belgium, and the country includes three language communities:

• - The Flemish community (Dutch)
• - The French community (French)
• - The German Community (German)

The language of teaching and assessment for activities carried out by students in these various establishments is, in principle, French. However, some courses are taught in another language (for example English). Students are informed of this upon their application.

Students not having had the opportunity to learn French but who have a command of English may sign up without difficulty for doctoral studies and certain specialized university programmes in Belgium. On their arrival, they will be able to acquire a basic grasp of French.

The Bologna System

The Belgian system of Education is regulated by the Bologna declaration. The Bologna process was initiated in 1999 when the Ministers of Education from 29 European countries signed the Bologna declaration in the Italian city of Bologna. The purpose of the process is to create educational standards for academic degrees and quality assurance, in order to make it easier for students to move from one European country to another and to improve the overall quality of European higher education. The system also incorporates aspects of the American higher education system and thus simplifies comparison. The Bologna System uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to measure the amount of higher education credits.

The Bologna system, and thus the higher education system of Belgium, follows the Bachelor/Master system:
Bachelor's degree:3 years (180 ECTS credits) towards a professional bachelor or an academic bachelor. Offers students core teaching in the chosen discipline, as well as a broad general education. The academic bachelor gives access to master's studies.
Master's degree:1 or 2 years (60 or 120 ECTS credits). Provides specialized content whilst allowing for further development of the scientific research process.
After obtaining a Master's degree, students can choose to pursue research projects leading to a Doctorate degree (PhD). PhD's are only awarded by Universities.
The Bologna System also uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to measure higher education credits.

Universities

The university institutions in Belgium have as their specific purpose fundamental and applied scientific research. University education is founded on a close link between scientific research and teaching.

Other institutes

Higher education organized outside of university institutions aims at obtaining professional or artistic higher qualifications. Among these are:

• - Institutes of Higher Education
• - Higher Institutes of Architecture
• - Colleges of the Art

Admission

Anybody with a qualifying diploma of secondary education can apply to all Belgian institutes of higher education with three exceptions: degrees within the fields of Medicine, Arts and Engineering Science. The student that wishes to study Medicine or Dentistry needs to take an entrance exam organized by the government. Art students must take a practical test held at the individual colleges. To be admitted to studies towards a Master of Science within Engineering colleges within the French Community can require students to take an entrance exam.

Cost

Every year, students in Belgium must pay a registration fee. For Belgian and European Union students, higher education is financed to a very large extent by the public authorities. The amount of the registration fee varies depending on higher education establishment and type of program. The registration fee for Belgian and European students for one year is set at around €800.
Foreign students from non-European Union member countries have to pay additional registration fees whose sums vary in accordance with the type of study.
Information concerning the total amount of fees to be paid can be obtained from the education institutions.
Student living costs depend on type of program, type of accommodation and way of life. According to recommendations students will need a minimum of €700 per month without taking registration fees into account. The minimum price for accommodation may be estimated at between 200 and 300 Euros per month.

Visa

Students from within the European Union do not need a Belgian visa to study in Belgium, but have to carry a national identity card.

Students from outside the European Union must file a student visa application with the Belgian diplomatic or consular representation in their own country of origin. More information can be gained from this representation or from the Foreigner Office in Belgium.

Students from the P.R. China need to follow a specific procedure. All Chinese students have to obtain a certificate of academic screening issued by the Academic Evaluation Centre (ASP) at the German Embassy in Beijing before being allowed to enroll to any higher education institution in Belgium and in order to obtain a Belgian student visa.

Within eight days following their arrival in Belgium, students (including those from the European Union) must register with the local administration of their place of residence in Belgium.

International Study Programs in Belgium:

http://www.mastersportal.eu/students/browse/country/4/belgium.html  

Universities in Belgium

·         Boston University Brussels

·         Brexgata University Academy

·         Brussels School of International Studies, University of Kent at Canterbury

·         Brussels University, Service Télématique et communication

·         Catholic University of Louvain (Université Catholique de Louvain)

·         ECAM - Institut Superieur Industriel

·         EHSAL - Economische Hogeschool

·         Faculté Polytechnique de Mons

·         Faculté Universitaire des Sciences Agronomiques, Gembloux

·         Facultés Universitaires Catholiques de Mons

·         Facultés Universitaires Notre-Dame de la Paix

·         Facultés Universitaires Saint-Louis

·         Flanders Business School

·         Fondation Universitaire Luxembourgeoise

·         Hogere Zeevaartschool - Maritime Academy

·         Hogeschool Antwerpen

·         Hogeschool voor Wetenschap & Kunst

·         Hogeschool voor Wetenschap en Kunst (VLEKHO), Brussel

·         Karel De Grote Hogeschool

·         Katholieke Hogeschool Sint-Lieven

·         Katholieke Universiteit Brussel

·         Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

·         Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Campus Kortrijk

·         Limburg Universitair Centrum

·         Royal Military Academy of Belgium

·         The International Management Institute

·         Thierry Graduate School of Leadership

·         Université de Liège

·         Université de Mons-Hainaut

·         Université Libre de Bruxelles

·         Universiteit Antwerpen

·         Universiteit Antwerpen Management School

·         Universiteit Antwerpen, UFSIA

·         Universiteit Gent

·         Vesalius College (Vrije Universiteit Brussel)

·         Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School

·         Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Admission and Visa Requirements for Belgium:

BELGIUM ADMISSION REQUIRMENTS:

1.      High School and Senior School (10^th, 12^th).
2.      Bachelors Degree Certificate and Marks Sheets.
3.      Masters Degree Certificate and Marks Sheets.
4.      Reference letters -3 - (from 3 professors or Employee).
5.      Statement of Purpose.
6.      Detailed Resume.
7.      Passport
8.      10 Photographs
9.      TOEFL / IELTS. 

BELGIUM VISA REQUIRMENTS: 

1.      A valid passport: The passport should be valid at least 12 months when applying and should contain at least one double blank page reserved for visas (blank front and back).

Two application forms, signed and dated by the applicant.

2.      A medical certificate (this is valid only 6 months from date of issue). The specific form  must be signed and stamped by one of the designated hospitals/doctors.

3.      If you are over 21 years old (or 18 if you are going to study at a private educational establishment), police Clearance Certificate for the past 1 year. This document is valid only 6 months from the date of issue. In case you resided in a foreign country during the past 1 year, you should moreover submit a Police Clearance Certificate issued by the relevant authorities of that foreign country

4.     
Proof of registration or a registration permit for a full course in a higher education establishment in Belgium, or proof of application for an equivalence certificate for diplomas or certificates issued abroad, or proof of registration for an admission test or entrance exam.

5.      A notarized certificate of your diploma / degree, or proof of study at an Indian university or institution of higher education in the notarized form.

6.      Proof of your financial support. It can be done by:

A/ Proper proof of the scholarship you have been or will be granted

B/ Proof that a guarantor supports you:

- If the guarantor is a Belgian national or has a permanent residence permit in Belgium, he has to provide: 

1. A letter of guarantee (in the prescribed form - annex 32 - French/English version - Flemish/English version), signed by your guarantor. This document can be obtained from the guarantor’s municipality in Belgium and has to be certified by the municipality. This document is valid for 6 months after issue.

2. A certificate of registration issued to the guarantor by the municipality in Belgium; a photocopy of the guarantor’s identity card / passport. 

3. Proof of the solvency of the guarantor (bank account statement / salary sheet / tax paper). Proven monthly income should be at least €750 + €569 for the student (for the academic year 2010-2011) + €150 for each dependant family member.

4. It’s recommended to provide a certificate of the composition of the guarantor’s family. 

These should all be original documents.

- If the guarantor is residing in India or in a foreign country, he has to provide:

1. A letter of guarantee (in the prescribed form - annex 32 - French/English version - Flemish/English version ) by your guarantor. If the guarantor is residing in India, he is required to present himself at the Embassy / Consulate General to sign the letter of guarantee and have his signature legalized. If the guarantor is residing in a foreign country, this document can be obtained from the diplomatic or consular mission of Belgium in this country and has to be certified by that mission. This document is valid for 6 months after issue.

2. A photocopy of the guarantor’s identity card.

3. Proof of the solvency of the guarantor: bank account statement for the last 3 months / salary sheet / tax paper – translated and notarized (*). The monthly income should be at least (the equivalent of)  €750 + €569 for the student (for the academic year 2010-2011) + €150 for each dependant family member.

4)  (If possible) Certificates of foreign language studies. The certificates should be submitted in the notarized form (*).

5)  In certain cases: other complementary documents might be requested to justify the merits of the visa application.

6. Visa Application fees

Embassies of Belgium:

http://diplomatie.belgium.be/en/services/embassies_and_consulates/